A Welcome Shift
Saturday, April 26, 2008 
"Alright, chill out you furry freak, I'm coming".
The lower pond is her favorite, taking the longest time to get to, but making up for it in privacy and the unknown attraction Singher has for this particular pond water. As we hit the gated entrance I recall the last time we had been in this park. Judging by the way she is staring at me, I'm guessing she is aware as well.
A week before he died, I had taken David out for a picnic lunch. Afterward, we had come to this park by the ravine. It had been a regular destination since adopting Singher years earlier. I recall David smiled, really smiled, as he watched Singher chase after the ball I was throwing into the grass. Laughing as the rather odd bundle of fur would swan dive into the pond, splashing through in her bastardized version of doggy paddle, taking the long way, afraid I'd play in the water before she did.
Days after that outing I would recall there was an odd peace about David as we left the park. He paused at the gate, glancing back at Singher, who as usual, was bringing up the rear, tossing the orange ball straight up into the air, snarling when it inevitably lands on her head.
"Are you okay", I asked.
"Yeah. Just looking".
Today we are paused at the same gate when I ask my dog if she remembers. A definitive swat to the orange ball and she lets loose with another woof, if not a slightly tentative one.
I take a long glance around the pond. "Me too pup. Let's go."
Our impromptu soccer game with the orange ball is played straight up the entire ravine wall.
Like me, I believe my seven year old dog is both relieved, and maybe a bit surprised, that it's in fact spring again. It's been a long time coming.
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Reader Comments (13)
That picture of Singher is absolutely beautiful! Did her pappa have someone take it professionally?
This post is something of a mine field, not knowing if Singher was going to get hurt scampering down the ravine, and then wondering if you were going to be hurt by the memories the park recalled. I was left sad but hopeful for both of you.
Professional? Please! That was yours truly, in what is the only picture I have ever taken without including my thumb print!
A girl after my own heart- she looks stunning in red. How bittersweet for both of you, but the test of healing is in whether you can let the good memories back in, and in a way that celebrates the memory not in a way that causes pain. I vote you take her back soon-
I agree with Doralong, Singher is positively stunning in red!
*choke* My tears say more than my words ever could. Hugging you in spirit.
Ditto Sean.
And by the way, you are just as beautiful as the dog (maybe even a bit more). She just looks better in red that's all.
I'm without words, my friend. Except to say what everyone else here has said and felt for you and your beautiful insane canine.
Much love,
3T
Thank you for sharing that - it's been a rough year. Happy spring, Al. Good girl, Singher.
[i]Oh please[/i], drown the flea infested mangy fucker already! I am soooo sick to death of hearing these urban fag boys talking about their "big dogs".
Charming Kitty Litter, truly.
But even your bitter, gin soaked invectives can't distract me today, as I'm immersed in a fascinating article discussing just how much information one can garner from things like an IP address and a referring URL. You would never guess!
Cheers,
Al
Al this kind of hit me funny, "was bringing up the rear, tossing the orange ball straight up into the air, snarling when it inevitably landed on her head."
Great post and I was relieved to be getting the vibe I'm getting. Have a good one.
Unprovoked attacks on a pet are really in poor form.. Al, again I'd ask if it was a joke, but I really don't want to know the answer.
I love her.
And what a beautiful essay, Al.